There’s been recent headlines about levels of arsenic in rice due to a study published last week. The gluten-free community tends to eat a LOT of rice, so this is pretty important news! Think about it: many gluten-free folks are eating Rice Chex with breakfast, some rice bread with lunch, a few rice crackers for snack and maybe rice pasta with dinner. Arsenic is potentially cancer promoting and may affect brain development and IQ in growing children. A recent Consumer Reports study indicates “worrisome” levels found in food. Currently there are no federal regulations for food, and now groups are suggesting people limit the amount of rice they consume.

Why would there be arsenic in rice? Generally, the arsenic in rice is a byproduct of soil levels and the amount in water, and rice is often flooded. Many regions where rice is grown have high levels, and/or use pesticides with high levels of arsenic.

The gist:

Brown rice has higher levels of arsenic than white rice

If you eat it frequently (and if you’re eating most g-free products daily, most likely that means you) Consumer Reports recommends to cut back to just 2-3 serving per WEEK, with less for babies and children.

Incorporate of grain-free options. Nowhere is it written that you *must* eat grains for good health! We often talk about how healthy grains are because of the B vitamins and fiber, but those nutrients can come from a variety of grain-free sources, too.

Tasty grain-free options:

Sweet potatoes

White potatoes

Parsnips, turnips, carrots and other root veggies

Butternut and acorn squash are seasonal and have a nice carb-y texture

Variety is the spice of life. It makes sense to venture out beyond the rice bowl! Feel free to leave your favorite tips for including foods other than rice in the comments.

Upcoming Event:

Celiac Sprue Association is hosting its 35th Annual Conference on October 4-6th on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY. There will be great sessions on the latest and greatest from the Columbia Celiac Center, dietary tips, gluten-sensitivity, and panels on gluten-free blogging, travel, dining out and much more.

Giveaway #2

Nourishing Meals is a great cookbook which was just released. It just so happens to contain a variety of grains and grain-free recipes, and I’m giving away 2 signed copies. The giveaway ends Weds, so hop on over

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist and Certified Wellness Coach in Fairfax & Alexandria, VA. Cheryl works with people to feel and look their best with a range of specialties, including Celiac Disease, food allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, vegetarian and vegan diets, preventing diseases and “whole foods” eating. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals. Email her or call 571-271-8742.

11 Comments on “Arsenic in Rice? What now?”

Cheryl, great article about the arsenic and rice issue. I started a petition asking the FDA for regulation of arsenic in rice and by-products in 2/12 after the Dartmouth study. As I did my research, I found that there has been multiple studies since 2007 talking about arsenic and rice. 5 years! Please spread the word about my petition and sign it as well. Thanks for writing about rice and arsenic. The more educated people are the better. http://bit.ly/xJGMe5+ By the way, loving the teff ideas!

Thanks so much for compiling this article, Cheryl, and for including your recommendations and so many alternative ideas! I’m honored that you included my quinoa tabouli recipe. We really have to keep folks safe. My feelings about arsenic in my food are about equal to my feelings about gluten in my food … i.e., unsafe at any level!

Thanks for this, Cheryl. I also share this concern as part of a family who normally eats (until I heard about this whole thing) a ton of rice. I’m loving your alternative ideas, which I plan to start exploring.

One question I have is why potatoes, peanuts and other foods that are grown underground are not also an issue in terms of arsenic levels. Is it the whole “flooding” thing w/ rice? Another question is if organic products are safe since those arsenic levels should be organic, correct? I’m reading that the inorganic arsenic levels are what is harmful. So, an example would be Mary’s Gone Crackers (main ingredient is brown rice) which are organic. Does that mean those products are safer by any means? Just curious if anyone can help with those topics. Thanks!

Katie,
From what I’ve read, arsenic is in trace amounts in many foods, but the main concern is rice, more so than other root vegetables. And studies show that brown rice has higher levels than white. This study breaks it down and it appears that organic rice has less than conventional, and basmati is a safer bet, but still…it’s awfully complicated for the average consumer, and sad an advocacy group had to holler for the FDA to even consider action!http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Metals/ucm319924.htm

Hi Cheryl, thanks for the article. I too love those Casabi crackers, in fact, I got my doctor’s office to start handing them out to their allergic clients and now we can’t find them. We’ve emailed the manufacturer and Amazon to no avail. Do you know where they are available? Thanks for any help you can give me.

Hi Cheryl,
Wow! You included most of it, great resources. So far. I have seen two patients with rice allergy.
The rice base supplement was not working, so I ran a taste for one pt. the other one was obvious.
Thank you.